Conservation Success Stories

The Conservation Commission and conservation districts integrate  science, technology, and effective strategies for engaging people into our  voluntary solutions. This helps us build community around conservation and  deliver multi-benefit results. You’ll find examples of these solutions—and  the results we’ve been able to celebrate with participating landowners and  partners—in these community success stories.

Badger Mountain Restoration

South Douglas Conservation District

South Douglas Conservation District's proactive efforts are reducing wildfire risks and enhancing forest health on Badger Mountain.

South Douglas CD's fuels reduction project on Badger Mountain spans 115 acres of forested land— the only area of its kind in Douglas County. The district partnered with nine landowners and the Department of Natural Resources to reduce fire hazards by thinning overgrown trees, removing limbs from branches, and clearing dense underbrush.

The results are striking:

  • Improved forest health and wildfire resilience.
  • Enhanced wildlife habitat, with cleared areas now accessible for animal movement.
  • Safer neighborhoods for residents and visitors alike.

More Community Stories:

Foster Creek Conservation District

Foster Creek CD / Douglas County Watershed

In an arid landscape dominated by dryland grain production and rangeland, this pilot focuses on reducing soil loss, improving water availability, and supporting habitat health. By tracking conservation practices and applying watershed tools, the work helps partners better understand how voluntary conservation supports resilient working lands under changing conditions.

Full Story
Columbia Conservation District

Touchet River Watershed

In a working lands landscape shaped by dryland farming, grazing, and irrigated agriculture, this pilot focuses on reducing erosion, keeping soil on the land, and improving stream and habitat conditions. By tracking conservation practices and applying watershed tools, the work helps partners better understand how voluntary conservation supports resilient farms and healthy watersheds.

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Whatcom Conservation District

Sumas River Watershed

Within a productive agricultural landscape shaped by dairy and crop production, this pilot focuses on improving water quality, managing nutrients, and reducing flood risks. Monitoring and conservation tracking help partners understand how voluntary conservation supports both farm viability and long-term watershed health.

Full Story